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DIY Green Spring Cleaning

Happy first day of Spring! Spring break is here or on it's way, the Spring holidays are just around the corner, and with all this Spring merriment comes a host of Spring chores. It's time for spring cleaning!

Photo credit: Photo by Flickr user bies

This year, why not skip pricey, potentially toxic cleaning supplies and test a few DIY recipes? For this week's Tips Tuesday, we're breaking down how to make cheap and easy green cleaning supplies for different rooms in your house. (Not in the mood to DIY? Don't worry! We have a few bonus basic tips at the end to reduce toxic chemicals in your home.)

Stock Up: To make your own cleaning supplies, you'll need a few key ingredients and tools.

Rags: Recycle clean old cloth, like worn out towels, sheets, or clothing.

Containers: Stock up on glass jars for scrubs and polishes, and glass spray bottles for cleaning spray. You can clean and rescue glass jars from your recycling bin.

Bathroom:

Toilet bowl cleaner: Women’s Voices for the Earth recommends sprinkling your toilet bowl with baking soda, then drizzling distilled white vinegar in the bowl, and letting the mixture soak for at least 30 minutes. Then scrub the bowl with a toilet brush.

The Basics: No time for major cleaning? Don't worry about it! These two simple (and free!) tips will reduce toxic chemicals in your home, and reduce dirt, dust, and stale or musty scents in the process.

Open a window: Open a window for five minutes every day. This simple action significantly lowers levels of indoor air pollutants. Try to do this daily, and not just at home: If you can, open a window at work for a few minutes too.

Shop smart: No time to DIY, but still in the market for cleaning supplies? Download free apps to help you make safer, non-toxic choices when it comes to everything from cleaning supplies to food to sunscreen. Visit Healthy Stuff, the Good Guide, and the Environmental Working Group to find handy on-the-go-tools.

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